6-Day Mount Elgon Hiking Tour to Wagagai Peak and Sipi Falls

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek across Mount Elgon's diverse landscapes from lush forests to high-altitude moorlands
• 02 Reach Wagagai Peak at 4,321 metres above sea level and explore the vast volcanic caldera
• 03 Experience Sipi Falls with its three-tier waterfalls, coffee plantations, and scenic walking trails
• 04 Discover rich wildlife, dramatic scenery, and the silence of one of East Africa's oldest extinct volcanoes

Embark on a six-day hiking journey across Mount Elgon, exploring diverse landscapes from lush montane forest and bamboo zones to heath and moorlands. Trek to Wagagai Peak at 4,321 metres, traverse the world's largest volcanic caldera, and witness dramatic scenery across Uganda and Kenya. Experience Sipi Falls with its three-tier waterfalls, scenic walking trails, coffee plantations, and rich biodiversity on this rewarding high-altitude adventure through one of East Africa's most unique extinct volcanoes.

The highest point at 4,321 metres above sea level is reached, with exploration of the volcanic caldera offering views of Uganda and Kenya.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Mbale, Mount Elgon National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Transfer from Kampala to Mount Elgon National Park

• Departure from Kampala follows breakfast, with a scenic drive towards eastern Uganda covering approximately 229 km over 8 hours.
• A stop at Mabira Forest Reserve allows a short nature walk to observe butterflies and monkeys, or enjoy optional zip-lining activities.
• Lunch is taken en route in Jinja before continuing through Mbale town towards Budadiri Tourism Centre.
• Dinner and an overnight stay are arranged at Lacum Lodge (budget).

2

Day 02

Budadiri to Sasa River Camp Trek

• Breakfast is followed by preparation of hiking gear or arrangement of porters before beginning the trek.
• The trail covers around 8 km over approximately 8 hours through montane forest and bamboo zones.
• Ascent continues steadily towards Sasa River Camp, located at 2,900 metres above sea level.
• Dinner and an overnight stay take place at Sasa River Camp.

3

Day 03

Hike from Sasa River Camp to Mude Camp

• Breakfast is taken before continuing the hike through dense bamboo forest.
• The trek lasts 4 to 5 hours, moving into heath and moorland vegetation zones.
• Arrival at Mude Camp is expected at 3,500 metres above sea level.
• Scenic vegetation views and photography opportunities are available before dinner and an overnight stay.

4

Day 04

Summit Wagagai Peak and Return to Mude Camp

• An early start follows breakfast, with ascent towards Wagagai Peak.
• The climb takes around 7 to 8 hours through heath and moorland landscapes.
• The highest point at 4,321 metres above sea level is reached, with exploration of the volcanic caldera offering views of Uganda and Kenya.
• Lunch is enjoyed at the summit before descending back to Mude Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

5

Day 05

Descend to Budadiri and Continue to Sipi Falls

• Descent begins from Mude Camp towards Budadiri Tourism Centre after breakfast.
• Hired camping equipment is returned upon arrival at Budadiri, followed by lunch.
• Transfer continues to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, located on the foothills of Mount Elgon.
• Sipi Falls features three tiers of natural waterfalls dropping over a 95-metre rock cliff, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
• The area offers scenic walking trails with opportunities to explore the waterfalls with a guide, along with sightings of birds, monkeys, and coffee plantations.
• Evening check-in is arranged at Sipi River Lodge, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

6

Day 06

Return Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe

• Breakfast is followed by a scenic drive back to Kampala via Mbale and Jinja towns.
• A lunch stop is made en route during the journey.
• Drop-off is arranged either in Kampala city or at Entebbe International Airport, based on departure plans.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees (for non-residents)
• All activities (unless labelled as optional)
• All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (unless labelled as optional)
• All taxes/VAT
• Round-trip airport transfer
• Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What's Not Included

• International flights (from/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Warm layers (very important for summit night)
• Rain jacket
• Headlamp
• Sleeping bag (cold-rated)
• Trekking poles (very helpful for descent)

Know before you go

• No ropes or climbing skills are needed.
• But expect 5-10 hours of hiking per day.
• The summit of Mount Elgon is gradual, not steep.
• The Sasa Trail starts with a very steep ascent.
• Many hikers say it's the hardest day of the whole trip.
• Highest point: 4,321 m.
• You may feel headache, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
• Rain can happen anytime, even in the dry season.
• Nights at higher camps are cold, near freezing.
• Mornings can be misty and wet.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Entebbe International Airport

Tour start

Mount Elgon National Park

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.